US President Donald Trump told Australian ambassador Kevin Rudd 'I don't like you either' during a White House cabinet room meeting, in a remark that drew laughter from the room. The comment came after an Australian reporter asked Trump about Rudd's previous critical comments, including describing Trump as a 'village idiot' in a 2021 interview.
Rudd, who was sitting nearby, began to apologise but was cut off by Trump. However, after the media left, Australian sources said Rudd apologised directly and Trump replied 'all is forgiven'. The exchange was seen as a release of tension that had built up over conservative fears that Trump's anger over Rudd's past remarks would damage bilateral relations.
Despite the awkward moment, the meeting between Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was notably warm. Trump praised Albanese, endorsed the AUKUS security pact, and signed an $8.5 billion rare earths deal. He also made positive comments about an Australian reporter's haircut while calling another journalist a 'nasty guy'.
Observers noted that Trump appeared not to recognise Rudd initially, and his attitude did not suggest lingering displeasure. The incident highlighted Trump's tendency to hold grudges but also his capacity to move past slights, as seen with his former rival Marco Rubio, now Secretary of State.
